Advocating for You: 2024 Year in Review A transformative year for US aviation sets the stage for key priorities in 2025. By Cade Clark, Theresa Marr, and Katia Veraza As we reflect on the milestones of 2024, it’s clear this year has been pivotal for aviation. The passage of the FAA reauthorization bill, for example, has set in motion a range of initiatives that will shape the industry for the next five years. This landmark legislation, achieved through bipartisan cooperation, reflects a commitment to modernizing the US aviation landscape and securing its global competitiveness. Indeed, 2024’s achievements set the stage for key industry priorities in 2025 and beyond, particularly for the vertical aviation community. FAA Reauthorization For the aviation community, reauthorization bills present a unique opportunity to advocate for policies that will shape the industry’s future. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, a major achievement for US aviation, is essential legislation that renews the FAA’s mandate and supports its mission, ensuring ongoing investment in aviation infrastructure, safety, and workforce development. The legislation provides a forward-looking framework that will affect the entire aviation industry—including the rapidly emerging vertical aviation segment—for years to come. A key focus of the law is the advancement of safety protocols across all areas of aviation. The act reinforces the country’s global leadership in aviation safety by updating regulatory standards, establishing targeted safety programs, and integrating cutting-edge technologies. These measures are especially crucial for the vertical aviation community, which is incorporating new aircraft and operational technologies such as advanced air mobility (AAM). Infrastructure development plays a significant role as well, with substantial funding allocated to airports across the country. This investment supports both major transportation hubs and smaller regional airports. For vertical aviation, it opens up opportunities to build vertiports and other infrastructure that will support AAM operations and integration into the National Airspace System (NAS). Workforce development is another critical component of the FAA Reauthorization Act, addressing the shortage of qualified aviation professionals, including pilots, maintenance technicians, and support staff. With growing demand, particularly in vertical aviation, the law emphasizes programs to recruit and train the next generation of aviation professionals. VAI thanks the congressional leaders who worked diligently to pass this legislation. Special recognition goes to Reps. Sam Graves (R-Mo.-06) and Rick Larsen (D-Wash.-02), chair and ranking member, respectively, of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Reps. Garret Graves (R-La.-06) and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.-09) chair and ranking member, respectively, of the Aviation Subcommittee, for their outstanding bipartisan collaboration. We also thank Senate Commerce Committee members Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) for their leadership in guiding the bill through the Senate. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support, receiving a vote of 387 to 26 in the House of Representatives and 88 to 4 in the Senate, reflecting broad backing of a comprehensive approach to aviation safety, infrastructure, and innovation. For the vertical aviation community, the reauthorization marks a significant step forward in creating a safer, more efficient aviation ecosystem that will enable the next generation of air mobility technologies to thrive. Election Year Changes 2024 was also a pivotal federal election year, bringing significant change in Washington, D.C., with Republicans controlling the White House and both chambers of Congress in 2025. As the transition of power progresses, we anticipate changes in the leadership of key congressional committees with which VAI interacts on aviation policy. The chairmanship of the Senate Commerce Committee is likely to move from Sen. Cantwell to Sen. Cruz. In the House of Representatives, a steering committee within the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee on Dec. 12 recommended that Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.-06) continue serving as the T&I Committee’s leader. Graves had reached the six-year term limit as a leader on the committee but was granted a waiver by the steering committee to continue serving as chair. State elections also brought significant changes, with shifts in state legislatures and leadership positions that will have an impact on policy. VAI is actively engaging with federal and state legislators to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. We’re also reaching out to leaders in Congress, state governments, and relevant agencies. We encourage our members, as well, to connect with their local officials, to educate them on the vital role the vertical aviation industry plays in serving the public good. VAI’s 2025 Priorities As we look to 2025, several key priorities will guide VAI’s efforts in shaping the future of vertical aviation. These priorities will be critical in ensuring that the momentum from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 continues and that the vertical aviation industry remains positioned for growth and success. • Timely implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Act. One of our top priorities will be advocating for the efficient and timely implementation of the provisions laid out in the FAA Reauthorization Act. The law sets the foundation for major advancements across the aviation industry, including vertical aviation, but its success hinges on swift and effective execution. VAI will work closely with the FAA, Congress, and industry stakeholders to ensure that the regulatory changes, funding allocations, and safety measures outlined in the reauthorization are put into practice in a way that supports the vertical aviation community and its evolving needs. • Infrastructure development for vertical aviation. Infrastructure development is crucial for the growth of vertical aviation, supporting both emerging technologies and existing aircraft, including helicopters. In 2025, VAI will advocate for policies to support the establishment of vertiports and AAM facilities while ensuring that infrastructure investments meet current vertical aviation needs. With federal funding from the FAA Reauthorization Act, it’s vital that airports and infrastructure systems are adapted for both new and traditional aircraft. Our focus will be on infrastructure that supports both AAM operations and the continued safe operation of helicopters, ensuring access in both rural and urban areas. • Aviation safety promotion. Safety remains a cornerstone of the aviation industry, and vertical aviation is no exception. As new aircraft and technologies enter the NAS, VAI will advocate for continued improvements in safety. We’ll work to promote performance-based regulations and standards that address the unique safety needs of vertical aviation, including the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) and AAM vehicles. This effort will include supporting initiatives to develop clear operational safety standards, air traffic management systems, and communication protocols that ensure safe integration with existing air traffic. • Workforce development. As demand for skilled vertical aviation professionals grows, the industry will need to recruit, train, and retain a new generation of aviation professionals, including pilots, maintenance technicians, engineers, and air traffic controllers. VAI will continue to advocate for policies and programs that address the workforce shortages in aviation, focusing on educational partnerships, training programs, and initiatives to attract more people into the industry. We’ll also focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce, ensuring that vertical aviation reflects the varied communities it serves. By addressing these four critical areas—FAA Reauthorization Act implementation, infrastructure development, aviation safety, and workforce development—VAI aims to build a strong foundation for the continued growth and success of vertical aviation in 2025 and beyond. We look forward to working alongside our members, stakeholders, and policymakers to turn these priorities into reality. As we move forward into a new year, the vertical aviation industry stands at a pivotal moment. With the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act and the continued development of new technologies, the future looks promising. However, it is equally important to ensure that the existing vertical aircraft community, including helicopters, continues to thrive alongside emerging innovations. VAI is committed to advocating for the policies and infrastructure necessary to support both new and traditional vertical aviation operations. We’ll continue to keep our airways safe and uphold our high safety standards while advancing infrastructure, workforce development, and timely implementation of the FAA reauthorization. As we work toward these goals, VAI looks forward to continued collaboration with industry stakeholders, lawmakers, and our members to ensure that vertical aviation remains a vital and growing part of the aviation landscape. Cade Clark is VAI’s chief government affairs officer. Theresa Marr is VAI’s director of government affairs. Katia Veraza is VAI’s assistant director of state government affairs and regional relations.
